Guardiola deal good news for Premier League - Slot

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola's contract extension is "good news" for the Premier League, says Liverpool boss Arne Slot.

Guardiola, who has managed City since 2016, has signed a new two-year deal that will run until 2027.

City have won six Premier League titles under Guardiola - twice pipping Liverpool teams managed by Jurgen Klopp by just a point.

The Reds finished ahead of City to win the title in 2020, and the two clubs have established one of the main rivalries in the top flight

Slot succeeded Klopp in the summer and has guided Liverpool to the top of the Premier League - five points clear of second-placed City - after 11 games.

Asked about 53-year-old Guardiola's new contract, Slot said: "It's good news for City and for the league because everyone wants the best managers and the best players over here.

"He is definitely one of the best managers, maybe the best manager of the league.

"He's won four titles in a row so it's fair to say he's maybe the best manager in the league.

"On the other hand, they have so many quality players that, if he would have made the choice to leave, I wouldn't have expected them to end up bottom of the league next season."

Slot, speaking before his side's trip to play Southampton on Sunday (14:00 GMT), added that Guardiola was "one of the best managers football has ever had".

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss has won 18 trophies at City, including the Champions League in 2023.

'A challenge to compete with him'

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who worked as Guardiola's assistant at City from 2016 to 2019, dismissed suggestions the contract extension would hamper his own ambitions to win the Premier League.

"We can only do what is up to us. We have to be at our very best to try and achieve what we want. What the others do, it's not our decision," Arteta said.

"If it is what he really wants, and I’m sure it is, I congratulate him - I already did it. I’m happy for him because I want the best for him."

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler echoed Slot's sentiments, calling it the "best thing that can happen to the Premier League".

Hurzeler said: "He is one of the best coaches in the world. With his ideas, he always brings something new to the football stage and it is always a challenge to compete against him.

"He always adapts quickly, always has new ideas and he can always win the game. I'm very happy because we can learn from him and to compete with him is a big, big experience."

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe added: "He's contributed so much to English football. He's revolutionised how a lot of teams play.

"I think he's incredibly talented and it's good for the English game that he's still here.

"He will continue to develop and evolve his style and people will potentially continue to follow that. From the competition side, I think it keeps the Premier League as the best in the world."

West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui was another to welcome the news his Spanish compatriot had signed a new deal.

"It's always good that the best coaches decide to continue in the Premier League and for sure, Pep is one of the best," Lopetegui said.

"I am happy for him, he is a friend of mine so yes, I am happy for him."